Two probation officers sacked after Caroline Kerr shirked community service

Nov 28 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

Mr Temple, 37, divorced Kerr in July and she has reverted to her maiden name.

The father-of-two, who currently lives with his parents at Reighamsyde in Alnwick, and works for his dad’s Brickblock Construction firm, branded it a disgrace that his ex-wife had not been sent to jail.

“She has got off scot free,” he said. “She has been resentenced but let off.

“I feel it is horrific, if it had been me, I would have been locked up.

“I think because women have got kids it is a big lever towards not getting punished.”

Mr Temple senior, 62, alerted the probation service to Kerr’s shirking of her community service.

He has now fired off a letter of complaint to the court over what he sees as a lenient re-sentence.

“After months and months of investigations, we were horrified to hear that she had got a conditional discharge,” he said.

The Journal has also learned that both sacked officers are pursuing employment tribunals against the probation service, with both claiming unfair dismissal.

Lindsay is also claiming sex discrimination, and her tribunal will also deal with the issue of public interest disclosure, which gives employment rights to whistleblowers who have spoken out about concerns in their workplace.

A statement from Northumbria Probation Board said: “An offender appeared at Newcastle Crown Court for revocation of her community order and resentencing, as a result of her failure to re-engage with the probation service and complete her sentenced unpaid work hours.

“It became apparent the hours had not been completed following an allegation of misconduct concerning record keeping.

“As a result of an internal investigation, the allegation was upheld and two members of staff have been dismissed.”

A CPS spokesman said: “A file was passed to us concerning a 34-year-old woman and two employees of the probation service.

“After careful consideration, we determined there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case.”

Kerr, of Percy Road, Shilbottle, was working as a receptionist and swimming instructor at Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre in Alnwick but resigned last year and is now working as a lifeguard at the Granary Leisure Complex in Amble.

She declined to comment when contacted by The Journal. Lindsay and Robinson could not be contacted for comment.